Toy wagon game construction



Feb. 4, 1964 w. G. FLETCHER Toy WAGON GAME CONSTRUCTION Filed March 1. 1961 Q INVENTOR.

WILLIAM G. FLETCHER MW M A rmen/5 Y5 Unitd StatS P 316111: Patented Feb. 4, 1964 TOY WAGON GAME CONSTRUCTEGN William G. Fletcher, 218 Linwood Ave., Bogota, NJ. Filed Mar. 1, 1961, Ser. No. 92,614 12 (Ilaims. (tCl. 273-123) This invention relates in general to toys and in par ticular to a new and useful toy wagon construction having an enclosed deck with means defined thereon to permit the playing of hockey and tether ball games.

Ordinary coaster wagons are known which include a fiat deck having side walls supported on front and rear sets of wheels and including a handle steering stick which may be manipulated by a child. The present invention is an improvement in wagon construction particularly in the provision of a removable dividing wall structure having tunnels defined therein and by providing openings in the end walls of the wagon proper in an overall arrangement to permit the playing of a hockey game. The dividing wall structure further includes means for supporting a pole structure upon which is suspended a ball such as by means of a resilient member or cord. The suspended ball may be batted by means of paddles by opposing players for the purposes of playing a tether ball game.

In accordance with the invention the improved coaster wagon construction includes end walls having centrally disposed goal openings which are tapered toward the exterior face of the end walls and terminate in a smaller opening on the exterior face. The smaller exterior opening is provided for the purposes of facilitating removal of a hockey puck (or ball) after the same has been wedged in the opening as when a player of the hockey game defined on the deck of the wagon scores a goal.

To promote interest and competition in the hockey game the coaster wagon construction is divided by a central partition wall construction having a plurality of tunnel openings defined therein and large enough for the passage of the hockey puck therethrough. The central partition wall is advantageously provided with a storage pocket in its upper face which holds two or more hockey sticks and the hockey puck or ball so that these devices may be readily removed for the commencing of the playing of a hockey game. Since the deck of the wagon is elevated it is at an advantageous height to permit a small child to play the hockey game in an upright position and to permit a larger child or adult to play the game in a kneeling position.

A feature of the invention is that the central partition wall includes a mounting bearing for a post member which supports a tether ball at the end of resilient line or cord. The wagon is advantageously provided with side pockets for holding paddle members provided for batting the tether ball for the purposes of scoring as will be set forth herein. The central pole or supporting panel for the support of the tether ball advantageously includes a mounting portion for a small flag to be used, for example, when the wagon is to be employed in parades. The pole is removable from the central partition Wall and may be inserted into the opening in the rear wall of the wagon for the purposes of pushing the wagon, such as would occur, for example, when an adult is pushing a child who is seated on the deck of the wagon.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved wagon construction.

A further object of the invention is to provide a wagon construction having means defining a hockey game course thereon.

A further object of the invention is to provide a wagon construction having a central dividing wall structure with a plurality of openings therein for facilitating the passage of a ball or hockey puck and including goal openings defined in end walls of the wagon for scoring in a hockey game.

A further object of the invention is to provide a coaster wagon construction including a central supporting wall having an upstanding post member thereon which holds a ball suspended downwardly from the top by means of a resilient string or cord.

A further object of the invention is to provide a wagon construction in which a central wall construction is provided which supports a post member carrying a flag or other ornamental device, which post member is removable and insertable into an opening in an end wall of the wagon for the purposes of pushing the wagon.

A further object of the invention is to provide a toy for a child which is simple in design, rugged in construction, economical to manufacture and provides means for enhancing the play value thereof.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Wagon having the improved game portions thereon constnlcted in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary section taken on the line 22 of FIG. 1.

Referring to the drawings in particular, the invention embodied therein includes a coaster wagon generally designated 10 having a combination top deck and playing board 12 supported on front and rear wheel sets 14 and 16, respectively. The wagon includes the usual forward yolk 18 having a steering and pulling handle 2%) centrally pivotally connected thereto.

In accordance with the invention the combination deck and playing board 12 is surrounded by upstanding side walls 2 2 and 24 and by end walls 25 and 28, each of which includes a goal opening 34 defined therein. The goal opening 30 advantageously includes a widened large height portion 30a at the interior end which bevels downwardly to a smaller height and smaller width portion 30b defined in the exterior face of the end wall 28. The purpose of the beveling of the goal opening 30 is to provide means for trapping the ball or puck within the opening after one of the players scores a goal while playing the hockey game to be described more fully hereinafter.

The invention includes a central dividing wall structure generally designated 32 comprising a block-shaped bridge member 34 having a central bearing opening 36 in which is positioned an upstanding post or column 33. The block-shaped dividing Wall 34 advantageously includes a set of end projections 40 on each end which fit into cooperating grooves defined in walls 22 and 24 of the wagon. When the bridge structure is inserted on the neck of the deck or playing board 12 of the wagon it defines a central obstacle member having a series of openings or tunnels 42 through which the hockey puck or ball may be propelled by one of the players of the game. The openings 42 are made of ample size so that the hockey puck 44 may be knocked through one of the openings by means of a hockey stick 46. The hockey sticks are advantageously made of a plastic or rubber material or may be rubber tipped so that they will not scar the deck 12 of the wagon or cause any undue noise when the children are playing the hockey game.

The block-shaped dividing wall 34 advantageously includes a pocket or opening generally designated 48 which is contoured on the interior as indicated in dotted lines to accommodate each of the hockey sticks 46 and one or more of the pucks 44. It is provid d with a top cover member 50 which is hinged at one side and may be lifted open to expose the sticks. The block-shaped dividing wall member 34 also is made sufficiently wide to define a top surface upon which the hockey puck 44 may be placed for starting the game of hockey by each of the children who will hold one of the hockey sticks 46. Upon the counting of a prescribed number the children will begin stroking away at the puck in order to aim it toward their selected goal. The opposing player will, of course, try to prevent the directing of the puck into the goal 30 which he is guarding. An advantage is achieved in the game when the player initially knocks the puck off the block-shaped dividing wall member 34 and onto his end of the playing field because then the other player must direct the puck through one of the openings 42 before it is possible to direct the puck into his goal 30 at the opposite end of the deck or playing board 12.

In accordance with another feature of the invention the post or column 38 supports a tether ball 52 at the end of a non-stretchable rope or string or a resilient or stretchable member 54 which is supported on an I-bolt 56 tightened into the top of the post 38. Paddles 58 are provided for the players and the object of the game is for each of the players to attempt to strike the ball to cause it to rotate in opposite directions of rotation and attempt to wind the ball tight against the pole for the scoring of a goal or point. A tight ball scores one point for the person who is successful in winding it up in his chosen direction of rotation.

The upper end of the post 38 advantageously includes a bearing opening which supports a flag 60 which may be tightened in the bearing opening by the eyelets 56. Thus the post 38 may be employed as a means for supporting a flag decoration when the child wants to use his wagon in a parade, for example.

Another feature of the invention is that the post 38 may be removed from the bearing openings 36 and placed in an opening 62 defined in the end wall 38. When the post 38 is inserted in the opening 62 it assumes the general inclination indicated on the left hand side of the wagon as indicated in FIG. 1. The post 38 may be grasped by either a child or an adult for the purposes of pushing a person seated in the wagon. Of course the central dividing wall structure 32 may be removed so that the full space of the wagon may be occupied or loaded when it is not desired to use the games defined on the com bination deck and game board 12.

A further feature of the invention is that the side walls 22 and 24 may be provided with tool boxes 64 and 66 which include hinged doors 63 which may be opened for the purposes of storing the game equipment or tools for operating upon the wagon, for example. The compartment 48 defined in the block member 34, however, functions as a complete holder for the hockey game and the associated implements, if so desired.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the invention principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is:

l. A wagon comprising a combination deck and game board, upright side and end walls enclosing said game board, said end walls having an opening therein defining goals, and a dividing Wall structure extending between said side walls and dividing said combination deck and game board and having at least one opening therein for the passage of a playing piece therethrough to said goal, 70

wheels supporting said combination deck and game board at a height to permit a child to kneel with one leg on said combination deck and game board and propel it with his other leg, and handle means connected to said wheels for pulling and steering said wagon.

2. A wagon according to claim 1, wherein said goal openings taper outwardly in order to trap the playing piece therein when a goal is scored.

3. A wagon according to claim 2, wherein said goal openings extend to the opposite side of said end walls and terminate in an opening large enough to insert the finger therein for the purpose of freeing the playing piece by pushing it through the interior opening of said goal.

4. A wagon according to claim 1, wherein said dividing wall structure includes a plurality of openings defined therethrough and in spaced locations across the width thereof.

5. A wagon according to claim 2, wherein said dividing wall structure has a pocket defined on a top face thereof COntaining hockey stick implements for playing on said game board.

6. A wagon according to claim 1, wherein said dividing wall structure includes a bearing opening, a post member supported in said bearing opening and extending substantiaily vertically upwardly, a ball, a resilient element supporting said ball from the top of said post member.

7. A wagon according to claim 1, including a post member supported on said dividing wall structure and extending vertically upwardly therefrom, and a flag supported on said post member.

8. A wagon according to claim 7, including a downwardly inclined opening made in one of said end walls, said post member being removable from said supporting wall structure and insertable in said downwardly inclined opening, whereby said post member may be used for pushing said wagon.

9. A Wagon comprising a combination deck and game board, front and rear wheel sets supporting said game board for movement along the ground, handle means connected to said wheels for steering and pushing said wagon, substantially vertical side and end walls enclosing said combination deck and game board, said end walls having openings therein defining goals, and a removable dividing wall structure having at least one opening therein for the passage of a playing device therethrough to said goals.

10. A wagon according to claim 9, wherein one of said end walls includes an opening cut into said end wall at a downwardly inclined elevation, and a post member positioned in said opening for the purpose of pushing said wagon.

11. A wagon according to claim 9, including a tool box connected to a side wall of said Wagon.

12. A wagon according to claim 9, wherein said dividing wall structure has a compartment defined in a top face thereof for the storing of hockey sticks and pucks for the playing of a game on said combination deck and game board.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 786,997 Rosenthal Apr. 11, 1905 1,144,112 Denny June 22, 1915 1,527,876 Janik Feb. 24, 1925 1,568,154 Hannon et a1. Jan. 5, 1926 2,077,543 Barthel Apr. 20, 1937 2,479,457 Baehl Aug. 16, 1949 2,501,206 Brackett Mar. 21, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS 506,690 Italy Dec. 23, 1954 

1. A WAGON COMPRISING A COMBINATION DECK AND GAME BOARD, UPRIGHT SIDE AND END WALLS ENCLOSING SAID GAME BOARD, SAID END WALLS HAVING AN OPENING THEREIN DEFINING GOALS, AND A DIVIDING WALL STRUCTURE EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID SIDE WALLS AND DIVIDING SAID COMBINATION DECK AND GAME BOARD AND HAVING AT LEAST ONE OPENING THEREIN FOR THE PASSAGE OF A PLAYING PIECE THERETHROUGH TO SAID GOAL, WHEELS SUPPORTING SAID COMBINATION DECK AND GAME BOARD AT A HEIGHT TO PERMIT A CHILD TO KNEEL WITH ONE LEG ON SAID COMBINATION DECK AND GAME BOARD AND PROPEL IT WITH HIS OTHER LEG, AND HANDLE MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID WHEELS FOR PULLING AND STEERING SAID WAGON. 